Antenna for directional communication, a method of communicating and a communication system

ABSTRACT

An antenna, a method of communicating and a communication system are provided. In one embodiment, the antenna includes: (1) an alignment device and (2) an antenna mounted in alignment with the alignment device, the antenna including: (2A) a protective cover, (2B) a Luneberg lens located within the protective cover, and (2C) multiple radio frequency signal conveyors located proximate a portion of the Luneberg lens and configured with the Luneberg lens to transmit radio frequency signals within a defined region or receive radio frequency signals that originate within the defined region.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/776,365 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGHLY DIRECTIONAL ELECTRONICIDENTIFICATION AND COMMUNICATION AND COMBAT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMEMPLOYING THE SAME,” filed on Feb. 25, 2013, by Ralph Hayles, Jr., etal., which is currently pending and is a divisional of U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/357,493 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGHLY DIRECTIONALELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION AND COMMUNICATION AND COMBAT IDENTIFICATIONSYSTEM EMPLOYING THE SAME,” filed on Jan. 24, 2012, by Ralph Hayles,Jr., et al., which is currently pending and is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/037,906 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGHLYDIRECTIONAL ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION AND COMMUNICATION AND COMBATIDENTIFICATION SYSTEM EMPLOYING THE SAME,” filed on Mar. 1, 2011, byRalph Hayles, Jr., et al., which is currently pending and is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/537,161, entitled “SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR POSITION OR RANGE ESTIMATION, TRACKING AND SELECTIVEINTERROGATION AND COMMUNICATION,” filed on Aug. 6, 2009, by RalphHayles, Jr., et al., which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,378,922 and is adivisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/339,192, entitled “SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR POSITION OR RANGE ESTIMATION TRACKING AND SELECTIVEINTERROGATION AND COMMUNICATION,” filed on Jan. 25, 2006, by Ralph E.Hayles, Jr., et al., which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,580,004 and claimsbenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/646,549, filed byMoryl, et al., on Jan. 25, 2005, entitled “INTERROGATION AND POSITIONLOCATING SYSTEM.” Each of the above non-provisional applicationsincorporate by reference U.S. application Ser. No. 10/972,958, filed byHayles, et al., on Oct. 25, 2004, entitled “System and Method for HighlyDirectional Electronic Identification and Communication and CombatIdentification System Employing the Same,” which issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,196,655. The present application also incorporates by reference U.S.application Ser. No. 10/972,958, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,196,655, and each of the other above applications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to, in general, wireless identificationand communication systems and, more specifically, to a system and methodfor highly directional electronic identification and communication and acombat identification system employing the same.

BACKGROUND

Wireless identification and communication systems are a vital technologyin today's world. Most such systems are omnidirectional; their antennasbroadcast signals fairly uniformly in all directions. Omnidirectionalcommunication systems are desirable in many applications, because theirantennas need not be steered to maintain communication. They can servebroader territories, too.

However, some applications benefit from directional communicationsystems. Compared to omnidirectional communication systems, directionalcommunication systems use antennas that transmit signals predominantlyto, or receive signals predominantly from, a relatively narrow span ofdirections. Directional communication systems have some distinctadvantages. First, since they focus the power they transmit onto arelatively narrow span of directions, they require less power thanomnidirectional systems or alternatively are able to transmit fartherthan omnidirectional systems using the same power. Second, signalinterception by an unauthorized third party is less likely, since thethird party must be aligned with the transmitting antenna in order toreceive the signal.

Secure and reliable wireless communication is particularly important inthe context of combat. Such communication may merely involveidentification. Split-second firing decisions are based on targetidentification. Knowing that a potential target is a friendly unit andnot an enemy is critically important in order to avoid fratricide(so-called “friendly fire incidents”).

Full communication between elements of a force is important. However,conventional battlefield communication systems are bulky and thusdifficult to transport. Mobility is a key attribute of a modern fightingforce. Therefore, a more transportable communication system would behighly advantageous.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure provides an antenna for directionalelectronic communication. In one embodiment, the antenna includes: (1)an alignment device and (2) an antenna mounted in alignment with thealignment device, the antenna including: (2A) a protective cover, (2B) aLuneberg lens located within the protective cover, and (2C) multipleradio frequency signal conveyors located proximate a portion of theLuneberg lens and configured with the Luneberg lens to transmit radiofrequency signals within a defined region or receive radio frequencysignals that originate within the defined region.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of communicating. Inone embodiment, the method includes: (1) aligning an antenna in adesired direction, wherein the antenna includes a Luneberg lens andmultiple radio frequency signal conveyors located proximate a portion ofthe Luneberg lens and configured with the Luneberg lens to transmitradio frequency signals within a defined region or receive radiofrequency signals that originate within the defined region, wherein thedefined region corresponds to the desired direction, (2) transmitting,employing the antenna, outbound radio frequency signals to transceiverswithin the defined region; and (3) receiving inbound radio frequencysignals from transceivers within the defined region.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a communication system.In one embodiment, the communication system includes: (1) a steeringmechanism and (2) an antenna configured to communicate with at least onetransceiver within a region, wherein the steering mechanism is employedto enable the antenna to communicate within the region, the antennaincluding: (2A) a protective shell, (2B) a Luneberg lens located withinthe protective shell and (2C) multiple radio frequency signal conveyorslocated proximate a portion of the Luneberg lens and configured with theLuneberg lens to transmit radio frequency signals within the region orreceive radio frequency signals that originate within the region.

The foregoing has outlined preferred and alternative features of thepresent invention so that those skilled in the pertinent art may betterunderstand the detailed description of the invention that follows.Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter thatform the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in thepertinent art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosedconception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifyingother structures for carrying out the same purposes of the presentinvention. Those skilled in the pertinent art should also realize thatsuch equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is nowmade to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a directionalcommunication system constructed according to the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic sectional view of one embodiment of adirectional antenna constructed according to the principles of thepresent invention and that can be employed in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method ofconducting directional communication carried out according to theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a combatidentification system constructed according to the principles of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method ofidentifying friendly forces carried out according to the principles ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure provides a system and a method capable of highlydirectional electronic identification or communication. The disclosedsystem can be a compact, lightweight and energy-efficient system that iscapable of being independent of any host weapon system and compatiblewith all types of communications systems, weapon systems or weapons,including field artillery, armored vehicles, attack aircraft, bombers,helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and combatant ships. The disclosedsystem can afford protection to the various weapon platforms as well asdismounted troops and wheeled vehicles.

For purposes of the present invention, “communication” is defined aspassing information from one communication terminal to another.“Identification” is defined as ascertaining the position, direction orarc-position, range or identity of a terminal. Communication may or maynot involve identification. Identification does involve communication,although perhaps to a limited extent.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, illustrated is a schematic view of oneembodiment of a directional communication system constructed accordingto the principles of the present invention. The directionalcommunication system, generally designated 100, includes a directionalantenna 110 and a base station 120. The directional antenna 110 is adirectional antenna that transmits signals that travel out as a beamwithin a defined cone. The directional antenna 110 also receives signalsthat originate within the defined cone. The structure and function ofthe directional antenna 110 will be set forth in substantially greaterdetail in conjunction with FIG. 2.

The base station 120 may be analog or digital, capable of transmittingor receiving on any operating frequency or band of frequencies suitableto a Luneberg lens and capable of transmitting at any suitable powerlevel. Those skilled in the pertinent art will understand that a widearray of base station topologies is within the broad scope of thepresent invention. The base station 120 may be housed within thedirectional antenna 110.

A plurality of transceivers 130, 140, 150, 160 (which, in theillustrated embodiment, are omnidirectional) are configured to receivesignals from the antenna based on a direction relative thereto. In theillustrated embodiment, the plurality of transceivers 130, 140, 150, 160assume the general shape, size and weight of a common cellphone,although this certainly need not be the case.

In the specific example illustrated in FIG. 1, the transceivers 140, 150are within the defined cone within which the directional antenna 110projects its beam and within which the directional antenna 110 iscapable of receiving signals. Thus, the transceivers 140, 150 arecapable of communicating with the base station 120 via the directionalantenna 110. In contrast, the transceivers 130, 160 are outside of thedefined cone and therefore not in direction to communicate with the basestation 120. The ability of the directional communication system 100 tocommunicate selectively with the plurality of transceivers 120, 130,140, 150 is valuable in certain applications, which will be highlightedin the discussion that follows.

FIG. 1 also shows a second directional antenna 170. The seconddirectional antenna is located within the defined cone of thedirectional antenna 110. When the second directional antenna 170 isoriented such that the directional antenna 110 is within its definedcone, the two directional antennas can communicate with one anotherdirectionally. The result is a point-to-point communication system thatexcludes receivers located outside the defined cones of the directionalantenna 110 and the second directional antenna 170 from interceptingboth ends of any communication taking place therebetween. Such system isafforded a certain level of security solely by reason of itsdirectionality.

Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated is a schematic sectional view of oneembodiment of a directional antenna 110 constructed according to theprinciples of the present invention and that can be employed in thedirectional communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The directional antenna110, which can transmit and receive low power, communications signalswith substantial gain, can be used to restrict communications to devicesphysically located within the narrow sector at which the antenna isaimed. The beamwidth of the transmitted signal can be established tospecific dimensions according to the application of the system in whichit is employed.

As will be seen, the directional antenna 110 can be used as aninterrogation component of a combat identification system in whichfriendly forces are equipped with omnidirectional transponder ortransceiver units designed to function at or near the frequency employedby the interrogation unit. The directional antenna 110 may be alignedwith the sight of a direct fire weapons system and transmit therefrom aninterrogation signal at a potential target. The transponders of anyfriendly forces receiving the interrogation signal would respond with asignal identifying themselves as friendly forces and perhaps disable theweapon system from firing, perhaps subject to manual override.

The directional antenna 110 can alternatively be used as a component ofa highly focused radar system capable of directing a radar pulse at aspecific object. The directional antenna 110 can further alternativelybe used as part of a secure point-to-point communications system inwhich the transmissions will only be detectable by receivers,transceivers or sensors in the direction at which the antenna is aimed.

The directional antenna 110 includes a protective shell 210, which mayadvantageously be substantially dielectric. Located radially inward ofthe protective shell 210 may be a conductive shield 220, which may bemade of copper. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective shell 210substantially supports the conductive shield 220, although theconductive shield 220 may be sufficiently thick to be self-supporting.Located radially inward of the conductive shield 220 in the illustratedembodiment is a layer of radio frequency absorptive material 230. Theradio frequency absorptive material 230 may be a conductive foam(typically a carbon-coated foam), which is commercially available from,for example, R&F Products of San Marcos, Calif. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2, the protective shell 210, the conductive shield220 and the radio frequency absorptive material 230 take the form ofopen-ended concentric cylinders.

In the illustrated embodiment, the radio frequency absorptive material230 and the conductive shield 220 are longitudinally coextensive,meaning that the radio frequency absorptive material 230 fully coversthe inner surface of the conductive shield 220, but does not extendbeyond it. Of course, this need not be the case. For example, theabsorptive material may not fully cover the inner surface. In someembodiments, the directional antenna 110 may not include the absorptivematerial 230.

A Luneberg lens 240 is located radially inward of the radio frequencyabsorptive material 230. Those skilled in the pertinent art understandthat a Luneberg lens is a generally spherical structure composed oflayers of materials having different dielectric constants. A Luneberglens functions to cause diverging radio frequency signals to collimateor to cause collimated radio frequency signals to converge. For ageneral discussion of Luneberg lenses, see, e.g.,http://stewks.ece.stevens-tech.edu/luneberg.dir/Report2.apr99/luneberg-apr99.pdf.

One or more radio frequency signal conveyors are located proximate theLuneberg lens 240. In FIG. 2, the radio frequency signal conveyors arefeed horns (actually two feed horns 250 a, 250 b in the embodiment ofFIG. 2) that are located proximate the Luneberg lens 240. In the contextof FIG. 2, the Luneberg lens 240 functions substantially to collimatediverging radio frequency signals transmitted from the feed horns 250 a,250 b and further to cause substantially collimated radio frequencysignals received into the directional antenna 110 to converge on thefeed horns 250 a, 250 b.

A transmission line 260 couples the feed horns 250 a, 250 b to the basestation 120. A pair of retainer rings 242, 244 cooperate to retain theLuneberg lens 240 within the directional antenna 110. One skilled in theart will understand that another means may be used to retain theLuneberg lens 240 within the directional antenna 110.

A rear end cap 270 and a dielectric front end cap 280 advantageouslyseal the interior of the directional antenna 110 as againstenvironmental elements. The front end cap 280 covers a radiating openingof the directional antenna 110. Accordingly, FIG. 2 shows a plurality ofcollimated double-ended arrow lines extending from the Luneberg lens 240and through the radiating opening of the directional antenna 110. Thedouble-ended arrow lines represent radio frequency signals transmittedfrom or received into the directional antenna 110. The feed horns 250 a,250 b are located proximate the portion of the Luneberg lens 240 that isdistal from the radiating opening of the directional antenna 110.

In the illustrated embodiment of the directional antenna 110, an outerdiameter of the protective shell 210 is at least five inches. In onespecific embodiment, the outer diameter of the protective shell 210 is6.650 inches, and it is about 15 inches long. Those skilled in the artwill understand, however, that the broad scope of the present inventionis not limited to particular dimensions of outer diameter or length.

In the illustrated embodiment of the directional antenna 110, the radiofrequency absorptive material 230 has a thickness between about 0.1 inchand about one inch. More specifically, the radio frequency absorptivematerial 230 has a thickness of about 0.375 inch. Those skilled in theart will understand, however, that the broad scope of the presentinvention is not limited to particular thicknesses.

In the illustrated embodiment of the directional antenna 110, theantenna produces radio frequency signals having a carrier frequency ofbetween about 4 GHz and about 30 GHz. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and2, the carrier frequency is about 17 GHz. Those skilled in the art willunderstand, however, that the broad scope of the present invention isnot limited to particular carrier frequencies.

In the illustrated embodiment, the radio frequency signals bear digitaldata. Those skilled in the pertinent art understand that digitalcommunication has some substantial advantages over analog communication,particularly when secure communication (often by means of encryption) isdesired. The present invention is not, however, limited to communicationof digital data.

In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive shield 220 (which, again,may be copper) has a thickness less than about 0.1 inch. Those skilledin the art will understand, however, that the conductive shield may bethicker or thinner as a particular application may find advantageous.

In the illustrated embodiment, the Luneberg lens 240 has a diameterbetween about four inches and about eight inches. Those skilled in theart will understand, however, that the broad scope of the presentinvention is not limited to particular diameters.

The antenna may have a 3 decibel (dB) beamwidth of about 7° and anull-to-null beamwidth of about 14°. The diameter of the Luneberg lens240 and the distance of the Luneberg lens 240 from the radiating openingof the directional antenna 110 may be adjusted to provide differentbeamwidths. Those skilled in the art will understand that the broadscope of the present invention is not limited to particular beamwidths.

Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrated is a flow diagram of one embodimentof a method of effecting highly directional electronic identification orcommunication carried out according to the principles of the presentinvention. The method starts in a start step 310 wherein directionalcommunication is desired to be undertaken.

The method 310 proceeds to a step 320 in which the directional antennais steered in a desired direction. Next, in a step 330, information tobe transmitted (“outbound signals”) is optionally encrypted andmodulated to yield a radio frequency signal. That modulation may be, forexample, binary phase-shift keying (BPSK). In a step 340, the outboundsignals so modulated are applied to the directional antenna andtransmitted thereby, perhaps as a circularly polarized radio frequencysignal.

In a step 350, inbound signals emanating from a transceiver that iswithin the defined cone of the directional antenna are received thereby.In a step 360, the inbound signals are demodulated and optionallydecrypted to retrieve the information they contain. Further, the radialdirection of the transceiver may be determined in a step 370 by notingthe direction in which the directional antenna is pointing; thetransceiver is within the defined cone of the antenna's beamwidth. Thetransceiver's direction may be further discriminated with reference towhich of the various radio frequency signal conveyors (e.g., feed horns)is receiving a transmission from the transceiver. The transceiver'sdirection may also be further discriminated by steering the antennathrough an arc while receiving a transmission from the transceiver andnoting the angles when the transmission can be received versus thosewhen the transmission is lost. The method ends in an end step 380.

Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated is a schematic view of one embodimentof a combat identification system constructed according to theprinciples of the present invention. The combat identification system isillustrated as operating in the context of an exemplary combatenvironment that includes a large, ground-based weapon system 410 (amain battle tank) and a common foot soldier 420 that is subject tobecoming a casualty by means of the weapon system 410.

The illustrated embodiment of the combat identification system has twocomponents: a base station 430 and an omnidirectional transceiver 440that assumes the general shape, size and weight of a common cellphone.

The base station 430 includes a directional antenna 432, a processor434, an antenna steering mechanism or circuit 436 andencryption/decryption circuitry 438. The directional antenna 432includes a conductive shield having an opening at an end thereof, aLuneberg lens located within the conductive shield and a radio frequencysignal conveyor located proximate a portion of the Luneberg lens that isdistal from the opening. Thus, the directional antenna may be of thegeneral type illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The processor 434 controls the overall operation of the base station 430and may be of any conventional or later-developed type. The processor434 may be capable of creating a secure execution environment (SEE),advantageous for processing secure data. The antenna steering mechanismor circuit 436 may be dedicated hardware, software executable in theprocessor 434, a combination thereof or may advantageously be embodiedby mounting the directional antenna to the turret of the weapon system410, preferably such that the directional antenna is generally parallelwith the main gun barrel. The encryption/decryption circuitry 438 may bededicated hardware, software executable in the processor 434 or acombination thereof.

As stated above, the omnidirectional transceiver 420 may assume thephysical form of a common cellphone; and, in fact, FIG. 4 indicates suchform. The omnidirectional transceiver 420 includes an omnidirectionalantenna 442 (e.g., such as may be found on any common cellphone), aprocessor 444 and encryption/decryption circuitry 446. The processor 444controls the overall operation of the omnidirectional transceiver 440and may be of any conventional or later-developed type. The processor444 may be capable of creating an SEE. The encryption/decryptioncircuitry 446 may be dedicated hardware, software executable in theprocessor 444 or a combination thereof.

During operation, the illustrated embodiment of the combatidentification system operates by trading secure information. Ingeneral, the base station 430 is configured to transmit a combatidentification interrogation signal, perhaps only about 2 milliseconds(ms) in duration. Assuming the omnidirectional transceiver 440 is withinthe defined cone of the directional antenna 432, the omnidirectionaltransceiver 440 responds to the combat identification interrogationsignal with a secure identification signal, again perhaps only 2 ms induration. Upon receiving and verifying the validity of the secureidentification signal, the base station 430 can optionally determine theradial direction of the omnidirectional transceiver 440 (as indicated bythe direction of the directional antenna 432), the specific identity ofthe omnidirectional transceiver based on the data received in theresponse signal and the range between the base station 530 and theomnidirectional transceiver based on the time delay between thetransmission of the interrogation signal and the receipt of theresponse. The base station could, as one possible further measure,prevent the weapon system 410 from being able to fire, probably subjectto manual override. The foot soldier 420 is thereby automaticallyshielded from an additional battlefield hazard.

Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated is a flow diagram of one embodimentof a method of identifying friendly forces carried out according to theprinciples of the present invention. The method begins in a start step510, wherein combat identification is desired.

The method proceeds to a step 520 in which a challenge, in the form of acombat identification interrogation signal, is generated and optionallyencrypted in the base station. The challenge is advantageously based ona code to which only friendly forces would have access and that is inall likelihood frequently changed to avoid compromise.

The combat identification interrogation signal is transmitteddirectionally via the directional antenna in a step 530. Omnidirectionaltransceivers that are in the defined cone of transmission receive thetransmitted signal and decrypt it in a step 540. Unauthorized (enemy)receivers or transceivers that are in the defined cone of transmissionmay intercept the combat identification interrogation signal, but shouldnot be able either to understand or respond suitably to it. Anyomnidirectional transceivers or unauthorized receivers or transceiversoutside of the defined cone are unable to receive and thereforeunderstand or respond to the combat identification interrogation signal.

Next, in a step 550, the omnidirectional transceivers that received thecombat identification interrogation signal formulate and transmit asuitable response, that is a secure identification signal. In theillustrated embodiment, each of the omnidirectional transceivers has aunique identification code that may advantageously be used informulating its secure identification signal.

Then, in a step 560, the base station receives and verifies the secureidentification signals it may receive and may establish the radialdirection, and display the range and specific identity of theomnidirectional transceivers based thereon. In an optional step 570, thebase station may enable or disable the weapon system's ability to firebased on the secure identification signals it has received and verified.The method ends in an end step 580.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, thoseskilled in the art should understand that they can make various changes,substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention in its broadest form.

1. An antenna for directional electronics communication, comprising: analignment device; an antenna mounted in alignment with said alignmentdevice, said antenna including: a protective cover, a Luneberg lenslocated within said protective cover, and multiple radio frequencysignal conveyors located proximate a portion of said Luneberg lens andconfigured with said Luneberg lens to transmit radio frequency signalswithin a defined region or receive radio frequency signals thatoriginate within said defined region.
 2. The antenna as recited in claim1 wherein said multiple radio frequency signal conveyors are configuredwith said Luneberg lens to transmit radio frequency signals within saiddefined region and receive radio frequency signals that originate withinsaid defined region.
 3. The antenna as recited in claim 2 wherein saidmultiple radio frequency signal conveyors are configured with saidLuneberg lens to exclude transmit radio frequency signals to receiversoutside said defined region and receive radio frequency signals thatoriginate outside of said defined region.
 4. The antenna as recited inclaim 1 wherein said defined region corresponds to a radial directiondetermined by said alignment device.
 5. The antenna as recited in claim1 wherein said Luneberg lens is located entirely within said protectivecover.
 6. The antenna as recited in claim 1 wherein said radio frequencysignal conveyors are configured to transmit diverging radio frequencysignals to said Luneberg lens and receive substantially collimated radiofrequencies signals from said Luneberg lens.
 7. The antenna as recitedin claim 1 wherein said radio frequency signal conveyors are locatedwithin said protective cover.
 8. A communication system including a basestation having a processor configured to create a secure executionenvironment and an antenna as recited in claim
 1. 9. A method ofcommunicating, comprising: aligning an antenna in a desired direction,wherein said antenna includes a Luneberg lens and multiple radiofrequency signal conveyors located proximate a portion of said Luneberglens and configured with said Luneberg lens to transmit radio frequencysignals within a defined region or receive radio frequency signals thatoriginate within said defined region, wherein said defined regioncorresponds to said desired direction; transmitting, employing saidantenna, outbound radio frequency signals to transceivers within saiddefined region; and receiving inbound radio frequency signals fromtransceivers within said defined region.
 10. A communication system,comprising: a steering mechanism; and an antenna configured tocommunicate with at least one transceiver within a region, wherein saidsteering mechanism is employed to enable said antenna to communicatewithin said region, said antenna including: a protective cover, aLuneberg lens located within said protective cover; and multiple radiofrequency signal conveyors located proximate a portion of said Luneberglens and configured with said Luneberg lens to transmit radio frequencysignals within said region or receive radio frequency signals thatoriginate within said region.
 11. The communication system as recited inclaim 10, wherein said steering mechanism is configured to align saidantenna to define said region and enable said antenna to communicatewith said transceivers within said region.
 12. The communication systemas recited in claim 10, wherein said steering mechanism is an alignmentdevice.
 13. The communication system as recited in claim 10, whereinsaid steering mechanism includes an electric circuit.
 14. Thecommunication system as recited in claim 10, wherein said region changesduring said communicate.
 15. The antenna as recited in claim 1 whereinsaid protective cover is a protective shell.
 16. The antenna as recitedin claim 1 wherein said alignment device is an aiming device.
 17. Themethod as recited in claim 9 wherein said aligning includes steeringsaid antenna in said desired direction.
 18. The method as recited inclaim 9 wherein at least one of said transceivers within said definedregion is an omnidirectional transceiver.
 19. The method as recited inclaim 9 wherein said outbound radio frequency signals include encrypteddata.
 20. The communication system as recited in claim 10 wherein saidprotective cover is a protective shell.